10 Reasons to Drink More Water

Every single system in the body needs water to function properly.  Every one. For example, water carries nutrients from the food we eat and oxygen we breathe to cells throughout the body.  Water also provides a moist environment that is necessary for the ears, nose and throat to function properly.

Source: Mayo Clinic

Forgot crazy detox diets involving only grapefruit juice and cayenne pepper--water naturally flushes toxins out of your vital organs. This is why it is especially important to stay hydrated when you are sick.  By drinking lot of water you do your immune system a huge favor by flushing out all of the toxins it is very busy fighting.  Each time you pee, your immune system thanks you.

Source: Mayo Clinic

The brain is 90 percent water.  Think about it, the command center of your central nervous system is made up almost entirely of water.  Staying hydrated helps you stay more alert and attentive throughout the day. In fact, a study from the University of East London found that students who drink water through their exams generally have better grades.

Source: Science Daily

Feeling groggy?  It might not be for lack of sleep, it could be because you’re dehydrated. Not only does water keep your intellect sharp, but it also keeps your brain awake and alert throughout the day.  The next time you’re dozing off at work, try drinking a glass of water before reaching for coffee or soda.  Caffeine dehydrates you anyway.

Source: Natural Benefits of Water

Your muscles are made up of about 75 percent water.  Staying hydrated helps them recover more quickly and helps avoid stiffness and soreness, especially after exercise. Your muscles will also function better during exercise when you are properly hydrated.  Conversely, one of the first symptoms of dehydration is muscle cramping. A bonus: water can also help prevent and relieve headaches.

Source: Natural Benefits of Water

You are often thirsty before you are hungry, but it will feel as though you are hungry because your stomach is empty.  The next time you feel hungry drink a glass of water, wait 10 minutes, then see if you’re still hungry. Water will also fill your stomach like food does.  If you drink a glass of water before you start eating and continue to drink water during meals, you will feel ‘full’ sooner and eat fewer calories.

Not only will you eat less when you drink water throughout a meal, but substituting water for other drinks at meals, such as soda, alcohol or other sugar-sweetened beverages, will cut a large amount of calories from your diet. Consider this:

• Glass of wine = 127 calories

• Pint of beer = 153 calories

• Orange juice = 142 calories

• Glass of water: 0 calories

Source: USDA Nutrition Database

Your skin contains quite a bit of water and acts as a protective barrier to keep your body from losing too much fluid.  Staying hydrated will replenish skin tissue, moisten skin and increase skin elasticity, keeping your complexion looking fresh and youthful. Dehydration can cause dry, cracked skin and a dull complexion.

Source: Web MD

We know that the body simply functions better when it is well-hydrated.  Your brain is more alert, your skin is more radiant, your muscles are less sore, your waistline is a little trimmer, and you feel generally healthier. What’s not to be happy about? Drink up.